
Southport Chinatown
A vibrant hub of Asian culture and cuisine, Southport Chinatown offers diverse eateries and lively events, especially during Lunar New Year.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Great for quick, delicious meals

Southport Chinatown
Best Time
Great for quick, delicious meals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub of Asian culture and cuisine, Southport Chinatown offers diverse eateries and lively events, especially during Lunar New Year.
"The sheer variety & high standards of restaurants & other businesses here make Chinatown a truly worthwhile place to visit."

🎯 Explore Beyond Chinese Food
While known for Chinese, discover diverse Asian cuisines too! :ramen:
📅 Check Event Schedules
Look out for festivals and performances, especially during Lunar New Year! :tada:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Asian Eateries
Throughout Southport Chinatown
Explore a wide array of restaurants offering authentic Chinese and other Asian cuisines. From quick lunches to fine dining, there's something for every palate.

Lunar New Year Celebrations
Main streets of Southport Chinatown
Experience vibrant lion dances, special deals, and a festive atmosphere during Lunar New Year. A truly immersive cultural event.
Commonwealth Games Hub
Davenport Street area
Discover a lively spot that hosted events during the Commonwealth Games, featuring big screens, live music, and a great community vibe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Bites
Navigating Southport Chinatown
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Beyond Chinese Food
While known for Chinese, discover diverse Asian cuisines too! :ramen:
📅 Check Event Schedules
Look out for festivals and performances, especially during Lunar New Year! :tada:
🚶♀️ Walkable & Compact
Most eateries are clustered, making it easy to explore on foot. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Look for Lunch Deals
Many restaurants offer great value lunch specials. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Beyond Chinese Food
While known for Chinese, discover diverse Asian cuisines too! :ramen:
📅 Check Event Schedules
Look out for festivals and performances, especially during Lunar New Year! :tada:
🚶♀️ Walkable & Compact
Most eateries are clustered, making it easy to explore on foot. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Look for Lunch Deals
Many restaurants offer great value lunch specials. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Southport Chinatown is praised for its diverse and high-standard Asian restaurants, offering a worthwhile culinary experience. Visitors enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, especially during events like Lunar New Year, and the variety of food outlets. While some find it a bit smaller than expected, the quality and range of eateries are consistently highlighted as a major draw.
"We went to china Town exactly on the lunar new year.there was a lion dance, $5 deal meal tea, sushi,mochi. China town Gold Coast is a bit smaller than what I expected, but the variety of Chinese restaurants haven't tried them yet, but they look so good."
ngoc le
"Very cool little section of Southport, a wide variety of businesses and eateries. They held a really cool event during the Commonwealth Games including large screens playing the action and live bands. A great tourist destination for shopping and great food from around Asia."
Stuart Hislop
"The sheer variety & high standards of restaurants & other businesses here make Chinatown a truly worthwhile place to visit."
Ben Cook
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southport Chinatown is easily accessible by car and public transport. Many visitors arrive via the Gold Coast Light Rail (G:link) to the Southport station, which is a short walk away. Buses also service the area frequently. Parking can be found in nearby public car parks, though it might be busy during peak times.
Yes, Southport Chinatown is quite compact and walkable. The main cluster of restaurants and businesses is concentrated, making it easy to explore on foot and discover different eateries.
Walking is the most recommended way to explore Southport Chinatown due to its size. For longer distances or if arriving from further afield, the G:link light rail is a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter Southport Chinatown. It's a public area with various businesses and restaurants. Entry is free.
Individual businesses and restaurants have their own operating hours. Most restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, typically from late morning to late evening. It's best to check the specific hours for any restaurant you plan to visit.
Yes, Southport Chinatown often hosts special events, particularly during Lunar New Year, featuring lion dances and cultural performances. They also hosted events during the Commonwealth Games. Keep an eye on local event listings for upcoming activities.
While entry to Chinatown itself is free, some special events or performances might have associated costs or require tickets. However, many celebrations, like the Lunar New Year festivities, are generally free to attend and enjoy the atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Southport Chinatown offers a wide variety of Asian cuisines, with a strong focus on Chinese food. You can also find other popular Asian dishes, making it a diverse culinary destination.
For lunch, many visitors recommend exploring the various eateries for their lunch specials. One highly praised spot for lunch is Hazel on Davenport, known for its fantastic chili egg and chicken schnitzel burgers.
Many restaurants in Southport Chinatown offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to inform your server about your dietary preferences to ensure they can accommodate you.
Absolutely! Southport Chinatown is known for its authentic Chinese restaurants, offering a range of traditional dishes and flavors.
Popular dishes often include dim sum, various noodle soups, stir-fries, and regional Chinese specialties. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from the staff!
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the streetscapes, the colorful signage of the restaurants, and any cultural performances like lion dances. The bustling energy during events offers great photographic moments.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and fewer crowds for photography. However, the lively atmosphere during peak lunch or dinner times, or during festivals, can also yield dynamic shots.
While there isn't one single iconic landmark, the concentration of Asian-themed businesses and the lively street scenes provide ample opportunities for visually interesting photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During special events like Lunar New Year, the vibrant atmosphere, including lion dances and street performances, can be particularly engaging for younger visitors. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to different cultures in a lively and accessible setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
Exploring the various eateries and comparing prices can lead to some great finds. You can enjoy a delicious and authentic Asian meal without breaking the bank, making it an ideal spot for those looking to savor local flavors on a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Culinary Delights of Southport Chinatown
When planning your visit, consider exploring beyond the obvious. Many Redditors highlight specific gems like Hazel on Davenport, praised for its delicious chili egg and chicken schnitzel burgers, showcasing that even within a compact area, unique culinary finds await. Whether you're craving traditional dim sum, flavorful noodle dishes, or spicy stir-fries, Southport Chinatown is sure to satisfy your appetite. Remember to inquire about lunch specials, as they often provide excellent value.
For those with dietary restrictions, most establishments are accommodating. Don't hesitate to communicate your needs, whether you're looking for vegetarian, vegan, or other specific preferences. The friendly staff are usually happy to guide you through the menu and suggest suitable options.
Experiencing the Culture and Events
The community spirit is palpable, especially during these times. Visitors have noted the excitement and happiness of the crowds, with plenty of entertainment and food outlets to enjoy. Even during less festive periods, the unique character of the streetscape, with its distinct signage and bustling businesses, provides a rich cultural backdrop.
Past events, such as those held during the Commonwealth Games, have demonstrated Southport Chinatown's capacity to host engaging public gatherings, complete with large screens for sports viewing and live bands. This suggests that keeping an eye on local event calendars can lead to discovering unique and memorable experiences in the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit